Hurricane Helene will make landfall off the northwest coast of Florida on Thursday and become a major Category 4 hurricane, prompting authorities to fear the worst.
Hurricane Helene is now threatening to become a major Category 4 hurricane and Florida is bracing for potentially devastating impacts. This rapidly intensifying weather event will impact not only the Gulf Coast of Florida but also much of the southeastern United States. Evacuation and emergency measures have been put in place to address this critical situation.
Winds of up to 240 km/h and nearly 6 metres of surge.
Tropical Storm Helene has formed in the northwestern Caribbean Sea and is rapidly intensifying, threatening to become a major Category 4 hurricane in less than 24 hours. Currently, hurricane warnings have been issued for parts of the Florida Gulf Coast, particularly from the Anclote River to Mexico Beach. Helene is expected to make landfall on the Florida Gulf Coast, potentially in the Big Bend region, with maximum sustained winds of up to 150 mph (240 km/h). With a serious threat of damaging winds and life-threatening surges (over 20 feet), residents are urged to prepare quickly as the storm's impact could be much broader, affecting the southeastern states as well.
Evacuation Measures and Preparedness
Evacuations have begun in several coastal areas of Florida due to potential rising waters. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued in at least seven counties, with additional measures expected as the storm approaches. Additionally, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has expanded the state of emergency declaration to 61 counties to facilitate preparations and coordination between local and state governments. At least 3,000 members of the Florida National Guard have been mobilized to assist with hurricane response efforts. In cities such as St. Petersburg, mandatory evacuations have been ordered for some infrastructure, and protective measures such as flood barriers are being prioritized.
Impacts expected beyond Florida to the Appalachians
Helene will have impacts well beyond Florida, including torrential rains and powerful winds that could cause power outages and tornadoes throughout the southeastern United States. Flood warnings have been issued for areas from Florida to the southern Appalachians, with torrential rains likely to cause landslides. Between 6 and 12 inches of rain are expected from the Gulf Coast to North Carolina. Governors in neighboring states, such as Georgia, have also declared states of emergency as the storm could bring up to 14 inches of rainfall to some areas. Pre-hurricane precipitation could already cause significant flooding well before Helene makes landfall.